Quarry blasts shake up Edakkal engravings

Thiruvananthapuram: The rock engravings with immense heritage value at Edakkal caves – the oldest known cave art in the state which is awaiting entry into UNESCOs World Heritage list–are under threat. A recent study by the Archaeology Department reveals that vibrations set off by quarrying and DTPC’s unscientific management are endangering the caves located on the Ambukuthy Hills in Wayanad district.

In the light of the alarming situation, archaeology authorities have directed the Tourism Department to limit the number of visitors to the spot.

Director of Archaeology G. Prem Kumar said that a committee consisting of experts in conservation, archaeology, history, earth science and rock dynamics will draw up a plan to conserve the engravings.

“We are also planning to rope in the Centre for Water Resources Development and Management (CWRDM) to study the surface runoff happening in the cave to protect the petroglyphs,” he said.

The district administration and the Tourism Department are yet to initiate steps to put an end to illegal quarrying close to the caves. Last month, the archaeology authorities organised a two- day workshop at Wayanad to come up with recommendations to preserve the heritage property.

It is learnt that an average of 2000 people visit the spot daily. Wayanad Collector and District Tourism Promotion Council (DTPC) Chairman K.G. Raju said that the council will extend all support to facilitate the conservation of the caves. “Steps will be taken to restrict quarrying, which is threatening the existence of Edakkal caves,” he said.